A review of the efficacy of lower-limb orthoses used for cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are functionally limited to varying degrees because of their decreased central control and coordination of their movements. The effects of growth predispose children with neurological impairments to the secondary problems of muscle contractures, bony deformities, and unusual gait abnormalities. Health care programmes aim to prevent deformities and encourage the development of functional and independent skills and abilities. Orthoses continue to have an important role in many therapeutic regimens for children with CP, however, there have been differences in designs of orthoses prescribed for the common problem of spastic equinus. This is because different treatment paradigms have evolved which advocate different designs of ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs).